Help the National Trust learn more about flooding at Hardcastle Crags. As part of their ongoing work to slow the flow of water in the woodlands and the wider Calder Valley, fixed point photography posts have been installed alongside many paths. Read more 27 Dec

Calrec's hikers raise over £9K for Overgate Calrec has been fundraising for Overgate Hospice throughout 2021 with a series of activities including the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge. Read more. 23 Dec

Online Fraud and Scams Kay Bainbridge, who works for West Yorkshire Police spoke about 'How to Avoid Online Fraud & Scams' to Todmorden u3a members. She outlined some of most common ways of being defrauded. Read more 20 Dec

Piano Festival to close With the continuing uncertainty, and after much careful consideration of all practical and financial factors, Hebden Bridge Piano Festival Board has taken the difficult decision to close the Festival. Read more 15 Dec

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW Discover the fascinating life and times - and past times - of teacher and musician Diana Monahan - the signal box, meeting Michael Portillo, being a flood warden, litter picking, her limerick writing husband and more in the latest instalment of The HebWeb Interview from storyteller and author George Murphy. Read all 24 Interviews (13 Dec)

Mind Your Head Festive sessions A new campaign, Mind Your Head, promoting better mental health and wellbeing for LGBTQ+ communities in Calderdale and beyond, is taking a look at depression during the festive period. Read more 8 Dec

Railway electrification campaign to continue. Cllr Jane Scullion is "sad, disappointed and angry" at the Government's failure to include electrification of the Calder Valley Line in the Integrated Rail Plan. Read report 8 Dec

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW: Discover the wonderful world of Winston Plowes: writer, runner, plate spinner, poem finder, land artist, Dadaist, teacher, collaborator, musician and mind expander in the latest posting of The HebWeb Interview, as told to George Murphy. Read all 23 Interviews (1 Dec)

Large Christmas Trees, Norway spruces, hired out for Christmas by eco Christmas farm Rooted will be planted on moors above Todmorden and Hebden Bridge when they grow to over 8ft, to cut flooding risk. See Daily Mirror report. 23 Dec

New Year's Day Swim The January Daily Dip will kick off with a swim at Gaddings Dam (Britain's Highest Beach) - above Todmorden, helping to raise money to end homelessness. Read more 22 Dec

Local singer/ songwriter Kirsty Almeida Now settled in Hebden Bridge, Kirsty Almeida is playing two very different festive shows at the Trades Club on Sunday 19 Dec and Tues 28 Dec. Read more

The collapse of Colden Dam Dave Smalley told the Local History Society of a local legend of how the dam had failed catastrophically in 1936 and that a giant floating plug of the dam wall could still be found in the landscape. Read report 13 Dec

Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme The Environment Agency is working with Calderdale Council to design and build a Flood Alleviation Scheme for Hebden Bridge. Read more 12 Dec

Light Up The Valley is coming to Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Heptonstall this weekend, 10-12 Dec. Fun for all the family, which will appeal to both children and the young at heart!  Read more

No Carols in the Square this Christmas Eve. Churches Together in Hebden Royd have told the HebWeb that veryone is very welcome at carol services in the churches in Hebden Royd and the surrounding area.

Bookshop Heroes 2021 announced by the The Bookseller magazine, include Kate Claughan, owner of Hebden Bridge's The Book Case. Read article 4 Dec

The Medieval Park of Erringden Nigel Smith has been exploring the history of the Park for a number of years and his talk to the Local History Society revisited the topic: a jigsaw of documentary evidence, studies of the landscape involving much walking and an eye for relevant features. Read report 30 Nov

Land Trust consultation Calder Valley Community Land Trust have revised their design for a development of 20 homes for affordable rents at High Street, Hebden Bridge. More info - and have your say. 27 Nov 2021

No Film Festival for 2022 - Hebden Bridge Film Festival will be taking a break in 2022 but there will be a full festival in 2023. However, HBFF still plan one-off presentations with special screenings and Q&A events in 2022. Read more 26 Nov

New Creative Producer for Arts Festival Hebden Bridge Arts Festival has announced the appointment of a new Creative Producer, Rebekah Fozard who recently stood down as Manager of the Picture House, after 9 years. Read more 22 Nov

Spinning through the West Riding John Cruickshank told a recent meeting of the Local History Society that studies of the West Riding textile industry made in the first half of the 20th century have rarely been questioned. He went on to challenge some of the common assumptions about the spinning of wool Read more 16 Nov

New President of Twinning Society After retiring Val Stevens lived in France for six years before coming to live in Mytholmroyd. She speaks French and some German and has travelled extensively in France and slightly less in Germany and has friends in both countries. Read more 15 Nov

Grant boost for local climate action Exciting new projects, including Hour Car and Hope Baptist Church, which cut carbon emissions can now get off the ground, after eight Calderdale community groups were awarded funding during COP26. Read more 11 Nov

Midgley Climate Group's Solar ProjectThe Climate Group has just completed one of its first projects, installing a Solar system on the roof of the old Co-op building. Read more 8 Nov

Climate – What's all the fuss about? David Ramsden told the recent meeting of the University of the Third Age that ice loss is accelerating, crop failures and droughts are increasing, wildlife decline is accelerating, fish stocks are declining, air pollution currently kills 8.7 million people each year, and the sea level is rising fast. Read report 7 Nov

MURPHY'S LORE There are 92 episodes to browse, all still on the HebWeb. And a book! They give a captivating offbeat view of our town and its goings-on from the mind of story-teller and writer, George Murphy. Series 1 first appeared here on the HebWeb in 2019. It tracked a politically charged and polarising year in the Upper Valley in the lead up to Brexit. Little did we know what was to follow.

IT TAKES A FLOOD… ITV programme shown on Tuesday evening (2 Nov) features Hebden Bridge, our community Town Hall and Khalsa Aid, all towards the end of the programme. Watch now

SYLVIA PLATH IN YORKSHIRE Heather Clark is the author of an acclaimed biography of American poet Sylvia Plath, spoke to Hebden Bridge Local History Society from her home in the USA about the ways in which the landscape of Heptonstall and West Yorkshire influenced Plath's poetry. Read more 1 Nov

'Bowing to Tradition the Unexpected Sides of Japanese Society' was the subject of the talk given by Jim Holmes to a recent meeting the University of the 3rd Age. Read report 29 Nov

RALLY AND MARCH IN TODMORDEN TO END MALE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Saturday 27 November, Meet at 4 pm at Pollination Street: women only More info

Choir seeks new Musical Director and Apprentice. A mixed, non-auditioned, choir from Burnley who meet weekly, are often seen singing around Hebden Bridge and the Upper Valley. Read more 25 Nov

Midgley Community Forum seek musician, ideally someone who plays a wind instrument, to accompany the annual village carol singing on Sun 19 Dec. More info 23 Nov

When We Are Married In December, the Little Theatre returns to a regular programme, starting with When We Are Married, J.B. Priestley's most popular play, a comedy, full of larger than life characters, depicting the snobbery and pomposity of the North's nouveau riche. Read more 20 Nov

Hepton Singers return for concert in Heptonstall on the evening of Saturday 4th December for their usual pre-Christmas concert, for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic forced the choir to cancel their normal activities. Read more 15 Nov

Erringden Hillside Flood Alleviation Scheme. Mon 22 Nov. 4-8. Methodist Church. Read more 15 Nov

Twin Town St Pol's British Unknown Soldier The British Unknown Soldier lying beneath Marble Arch was transported there from St Pol-en-Ternoise in November 1920. Postponed from 2020, on Sat 6 Nov, the centenary of this event was commemorated in St Pol. More info and photos

Green Groups hold COP26 Climate Protests throughout Calderdale including Green New Deal, Friends of the Earth and Extinction Rebellion highlighted the urgent need for much stronger local, UK and international action to tackle the climate crisis. Read more 8 Nov 21

Pennine Finch endangered or Twite is on the brink of extenction. Burning of the moors is condemned in the report into a bird that once thrived around here. See Guardian article 6 Nov

BESTSELLING ENGLISH LANGUAGE WRITER IN GERMANY: According to Der Spiegel, The Offing by Hebden Bridge writer, Benjamin Myers, is expected to be the best selling English language novel in Germany this year, ahead of Sally Rooney and Stephen King and is currently third in their overall fiction best sellers list. Ben was featured in The HebWeb Interview recently. 5 Nov

SHEEP GRAZING AND FREE ORGANIC FRUIT coming to High Hirst Woodmeadow! This land between Dodnaze and Sandy Gate, managed by the Town Council, is being made into a woodmeadow with community orchard, wildflower meadow and hedging. Read more 3 Nov

COP26 - COMMUNITIES HAVE ROLE TO PLAY ON CLIMATE CHANGE: Slow the Flow will be highlighting the important role communities have to play in reducing the risk of flooding as world leaders meet in Glasgow for COP26 Climate Conference. Read more

ENERGY CRISIS LEADS TO CITIZEN ADVICE SERVICE IN HEBDEN BRIDGE - funded by Hebden Royd Town Council. It will launch in Hebden Bridge on Wednesday 3 November in addition to the Thursday drop-in sessions at Mytholmroyd Community Centre. Read more 25 Oct

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SHIBDEN HALL David Glover set himself the challenge of outlining 600 years of its history to an audience at Hebden Bridge Local History Society in just sixty minutes. By 1615 the house was owned by the Lister family and eventually passed to its most famous owner, Anne Lister, in 1826. Read report 20 Oct

WHO PUT THE HALL IN OLD TOWN HALL? Daid Cant told a recent meeting the the Local History Society about the story of Old Town Hall and took the audience on a virtual tour of the outside of the building, noting features that could point to its history and the changes it had undergone. Read more 16 Oct

COVID: SCHOOLS ADVISED TO INTRODUCE FURTHER HEALTH MEASURES With rates of COVID-19 in Calderdale currently higher than they've ever been, schools in Calderdale are being advised to consider additional measures. Slowing the spread will help ease the severe pressures on health and social care services. Read more 13 Oct

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW: The latest HebWeb Interview focuses on local artist David Anthony Kennedy. Read about David's sometimes "wonky" progress through life and marvel at his determination to overcome tragedy and setbacks, his love for Hebden Bridge and the motivations behind Me, myself and why, his current exhibition at the Town Hall, as told to George Murphy. Read all 21 Interviews (8 Oct)

OUT IN THE VALLEY provides safe social spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community. They believe that social activities that are inclusive and diverse help to build a strong, safe, visible community. Read more 5 Oct

BOOK LAUNCH: BACKWARD GLANCE Paul Degnan hosted a Book Launch at Wadsworth Community Centre on Wednesday evening to promote his new publication Backward Glance – a collection of short stories. Read more 3 Oct

New manager for the Picture House After 9 years of managing Hebden Bridge Picture House, Rebekah Fozard will be leaving her role as Manager this November. Her successor, Pete Berrisford, arrives at Hebden Bridge Picture House as an experienced Cinema Manager from Cumbria. Read more 12 Nov

HARDCASTLE CRAGS: PATHS TO CLOSE FOR TREE FELLING Parts of the main track and other paths will be closed for ten days in November to allow contractors to remove trees. Around 70 ash trees suffering from ash dieback will also be removed this winter. Read more and see map 28 Oct

HOW POLLUTED ARE OUR LOCAL RIVERS? For details of the hundreds of local sewage discharges made into our rivers see this website 25 Oct

A TOUCH OF DANGER AUDITION The read-through/ audition for A Touch of Danger, directed by Steve Hirst, will take place on Sunday 7 November, at 7pm, at the theatre on Holme Street. Read more 21 Oct

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW: TERRY LOGAN is the focus of the latest HebWeb interview. Mytholmroyd's dynamic soul, reggae and folk musician, and Black Pride counsellor and activist, answers George Murphy's questions about her performances, her reflections on lockdown and her hopes for the future. Read all 22 Interviews (19 Oct)

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION SEEKS TREASURER to join the Board of the charity that owns and runs Hebden Bridge Town Hall. The Association has told the HebWeb that it is at an exciting stage and this is great time to join.  Read more 15 Oct

HALF TERM AT HARDCASTLE CRAGS Join in with a ranger day and learn more about reducing flood risk. A special event will give the public a chance to find out more about the woodlands and natural flood management work in our area. Read more 14 Oct

I AM BELMAYA AT THE PICTURE HOUSE An inspirational tale of rebellion, courage and hope at Picture House fundraising event on Sunday 17 October. More info

ELECTRIC VEHICLES HELP WITH FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME The Environment Agency and BAM Nuttall have introduced electric vehicles to carry out early flood defence work in Hebden Bridge and the wider Calder Valley, as part of the project's ambition to cut carbon emissions. Read more 7 Oct

SAVE HEPTONSTALL POST OFFICE With news that the postmaster would retire, the community came together to try and save their valued shop and formed Heptonstall Community Assets Limited - a community share offer was created.  Read more 5 Oct

REDACRE PROVIDES FOOD FOR THOUGHT AHEAD OF COP26 Since early this year, local photographer Gerard Liston has been recording plants and people through the seasons on the Redacre Growing Project in Mytholmroyd. Read more and see photos and video 28 Sept

FLOOD SIREN TEST Eight flood warning sirens will be sounded across the upper Calder Valley at 1pm on Thurs 30 Sept to ensure they are working effectively. Each siren test will last for 2 minutes.

THE REAL-LIFE SHERLOCK HOLMES The guest speaker at the recent meeting of the University of the Third Age was Joe O'Neill, who spoke about the life and times of Jerome Caminada, a 19th century policeman and detective in Manchester. Read more 26 Sept

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 40 - In this final episode of Lockdown Diary, there’s a botanical investigation, a Fosbury Flop, refrigerator mothers, beasts and blondes, mind matters and a spiritual laxative, Emma and Aubrey, Old Sodbury and his brother, a Hebden centurion, JS Bach and Horatio Clare, a man and two women, a cat in a carriage and a fancy man to avoid. Murphy's Lore 40 (20 Sept)

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL 2021 The Great Pumpkin Festival, brought to you by Hebden Royd Town Council and Sand in Your Eye, is back for its fourth year in Hebden Bridge on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th October, from 10am – 4pm. Read more 17 Sept

FORMER TORY CANDIDATE FOR CALDER VALLEY NOW FOREIGN SECRETARY. Liz Truss lost to Labour's Christine McCafferty in May 2005 but according to this Daily Mail report, had local Tories known of her affair with MP Mark Field, she would never have been selected. 15 Sept

GREAT BIG GREEN WEEK The Town Council are inviting residents and businesses to join Hebden Royd's Great Big Green Week. The nationwide event runs from 18th - 26th September and will see the community celebrate how Hebden Royd is taking action to tackle climate change. Read more 14 Sept

FORMER MAYOR PRAISES HEALTH WORKERS In this article, Nader Fekri, former Mayor of Hebden Royd and Calderdale, explains why he's supporting the Fair Pay For Nursing campaign after meeting RCN members at a recent rally, and commends the great support health workers gave his father who has died from Covid. Read article 13 Sept.

HEBDEN BRIDGE LITTLE THEATRE UPDATE - there's just days to go before Hebden Bridge Little Theatre reopens with the one-act comedy, The Extraordinary Revelations of Orca the Goldfish by David Tristram, which runs from Mon to Thurs, 20-23 September 2021. Read more, and see rehearsal photos 13 Sept

STAYING SAFE AS SCHOOL STARTS As children and young people start returning to education, Calderdale Council is encouraging families to keep doing the five big things that help protect us all from COVID-19 Read more 7 Sept

LIVE MUSIC AT WAINSGATE THIS AUTUMN Wainsgate Chapel's Concert Series returns this September after a two-year absence with a diverse programme of 6 afternoon concerts. From classical to jazz, flamenco to contemporary folk and from the sublime to the downright quirky. More info 3 Sept

FLOODS MINISTER CHAIRS ROUNDTABLE AT HEBDEN BRIDGE TOWN HALL Floods Minister Rebecca Pow has today visited Hebden Bridge as she brought together a roundtable of MPs, local authorities, flood experts and water companies to examine the issue of flooding along the River Aire and River Calder. Read more 1 Sept

HEBDEN BRIDGE LOOP WALK on Saturday 2 October 2021 in memory of the originator, Dave Brooks (aka Dave Weirdigan) More info 28 Sept

CITIZENS ADVICE Hebden Royd Town Council-funded advice drop-in session for HX7 residents at Mytholmroyd Community Centre on Thursday mornings between 10am and 1pm. Advice also given by phone on 0808 278 7879.

MANAGING LOCAL WOODLAND MEETING On Thursday 23 September from 6.30pm, Calderdale Council and the National Trust are jointly hosting an online meeting to give people a chance to find out more about local woodlands and ask questions about how these are managed. To join the meeting, open Zoom and enter meeting ID: 935 3884 4697

SUMMIT TUNNEL IMPROVEMENTS WILL MEAN RAIL DISRUPTION From Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 October rail replacement buses will be in operation between Hebden Bridge and Rochdale as Network Rail carries out improvements to the 180 year tunnel. Read more 18 Sept

HOW CAN ARTISTS' LIVELIHOODS IMPROVE POST-COVID? Calderdale artists online meeting organised by Artists' Union England on Tuesday 21 September, 7pm by Zoom. More info 15 Sept

MEMORIES OF HEBDEN BRIDGE, FILM PREMIERE History & Heritage event. This Saturday evening at 8pm, join Kate Higham, for her talk 'Cinema in Hebden Bridge – A Short History' followed by the premiere of the Memories of the Picture House film. Read more. 15 Sept 2021

MYTHOLMROYD STATION PARTNERSHIP - PLAQUE UNVEILED the blue plaque for the Railway Heritage Trust Award was unveiled at the beginning of this month, after being delayed by Covid. Read more and see photos 14 Sept

COMMUNITY LAND TRUST APPOINTS FIRST EXECUTIVE MANAGER Paul Branigan will lead the development and transition of CVCLT from a volunteer-led, project driven organisation to a fully financially sustainable organisation More info 13 Sept 2021

HEBDEN BRIDGE CAMERA CLUB ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2021 - THE WINNERS - Hebden Bridge Camera Club's annual exhibition returned to the Town Hall this year.  Mayor, Cllr Rob Freeth opened the exhibition, over 800 visitors viewed the 56 prints on display, and almost 600 votes were cast. Click photo above to enlarge.   More info and photos 12 Sept 2021

LGBTQ+ MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED A new campaign, Mind Your Head, has been launched to promote better mental health and wellbeing for LGBTQ+ communities in our area and beyond. Read more 9 Sept

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 39 - there’s an elephant on a towpath, a murder in a vicarage, two types of horror, two types of Sandman, three David Hartleys, dodos and ammonites, two Binky Beumonts and the trouble with puns, a Samurai love story and an anniversary song. Murphy's Lore 39 (6 Sept)

JOB VACANCIES AT HEBDEN BRIDGE TOWN HALL Two jobs available: Duty Officer to join our staff team with a closing date of Monday 6 September and Casual Catering Assistant with a closing date of 4 October. Read more 3 Sept 2021

'A DAY IN THE LIFE' PHOTO EXHIBITION - Hebden Bridge Based African children's charity launches 'A Day in the Life' Photography Exhibition at the Town Hall from 2-8 October. Read more 2 Sept

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW: Steve Tilston is one of the country's most celebrated singer songwriters, renowned for his lyrics, arrangements and brilliant guitar playing. You may also recognise him as the inspiration for the Hollywood movie, Danny Collins and in this latest HebWeb interview, George Murphy asked about John Lennon's 'lost letter'. Read all 20 Interviews (27 Aug)

PICTURE HOUSE BECOMES THE FIRST CINEMA OF SANCTUARY In the year in which it celebrates its centenary the Town Council owned Hebden Bridge Picture House has proved that not only is it thriving but that it continues to put its audience first, as it has been officially recognised as the UK's first Cinema of Sanctuary. Read more 26 Aug

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 38 - there’s crown green bowling and a famous musician, men who had nannies and the nanny state, working class Tories and street fighting kids, a bog and an alternative witch, a Portuguese folk tale and Paula Rego, bats in the belfry, a missing vampire,  and more! See Murphy's Lore 38 (23 Aug)

TOD TOWN HALL IMPROVEMENTS COMPLETED Work to improve the magnificent ballroom at Todmorden Town Hall is now complete, with the addition of new acoustic panels and specialist redecoration.  Read more 22 Aug

HEBDEN BRIDGE LITTLE THEATRE IS BACK! After a year and a half away, the theatre is delighted to announce its programme for Autumn/Winter 2021. Read more 17 Aug

JUDE WALKER COMPLETES 200 MILE WALK to Downing Street by handing in a letter to the Prime Minister calling for charges on carbon emissions. See this YouTube video and sign petition  15 Aug

PICTURE HOUSE HERITAGE OPEN DAY on Saturday 11 September from 10-5. Look around, sculpture, info boards, old projector demo, meet the Friends, see model of old Electric Theatre, oral history project and much more. See HebWeb News 11 Aug

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW George Murphy interviews Professor of Healthcare, Rebecca Lawton who talks about the health challenges of the pandemic, growing up with hippy parents in Hull, investigating the high death rate of railway shunters, how she wouldn't live anywhere but Hebden Bridge, Van Morrison, volunteering with Calder Valley Youth Theatre, and more. Read all 19 HebWeb Interviews (3 Aug)

WALKING AROUND TOD - "The industrial past blends with nature, the community runs on kindness and it's home to England's highest beach" See Guardian article 1 Aug

HAPPY VALLEY PRIDE RETURNS WITH WEEKEND FESTIVAL from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th September, including an exhibition of a specially commissioned collection of portraits of members of the local queer community taken by photographer Bruce Cutts of the After Alice Project. More info on the Festival events 30 Aug

COVID: HEBDEN BRIDGE NUMBERS CONTINUE TO RISE with a new daily high of 56 cases for the week to 23 Aug. Only 4 local authorities in England have a higher rate than Hebden Bridge's 606 per 100K. Mytholmroyd has 42 cases and Tod 57 cases. In the past 24 hours, there were 136 new cases in Calderdale with a rate of 450 cases per 100K. The rate for England is now 331 per 100k. More info. (Sat 28 Aug)

TWINNING SOCIETY GARDEN PARTY raised £122. This will help entertain our friends from twin towns St Pol-sur-Ternoise and Warstein when they visit us in 2022 for their postponed visits to celebrate 40 years of twinning. Read more 24 Aug

CALDERDALE JOINS ANTI-RACISM MOVEMENT Calderdale Council is one of nearly 500 organisations to join the Root Out Racism movement being launched to emphasise commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and the regional anti-racism movement. Read more 23 Aug

COUNCILLORS CREATE NEW CLIMATE EMERGENCY ROLE as part of its commitment to tackle climate change. The Town Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has since submitted a climate emergency action plan outlining steps to reach carbon neutrality by 2030. Read more 18 Aug

HEBDEN BRIDGE IN THE NATIONAL MEDIA - this new HebWeb feature looks at how our town and its issues have been reported over the past 20-25 years, including greatest town accolades, 4th funkiest town in the world, UK's second city, Have I got News for you, Any Questions at the Town Hall and much more. Read the article 12 August

HEBDEN BRIDGE PICTURE HOUSE MANAGER: Do you want to work in a town known for its welcoming atmosphere, quirkiness and creativity? Details of how to apply for this post can be found here. 10 Aug 2021

MURPHY’S LORE: Series Two 37 - there's sporting feats, a Whitby staycation, Usain Bolt in Midgehole, a journey up the Khyber Pass, ET at the Olympics, a handy guide to death, Fred, who had two faces on his head, and much more! See Murphy's Lore 37 (9 Aug)

HEBWEB DISCUSSION latest - Recycling mess, Acre Mill, obituaries and seeking like minded people. See HebWeb Forum 1 Aug

HELEN OF FOUR GATES AUTHOR, former local resident Ethel Carnie Holdsworth, features in a Guardian feature today. "Thought to be the first blue-collar female novelist, Holdsworth once outsold HG Wells." See Guardian article and also HebWeb coverage of the writer. 31 July

£1MILLION CLIMATE EMERGENCY FUND Local community groups, charities and schools can now apply for funding from Calderdale's £1million Climate Emergency Fund, to support projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the borough. Read more 30 July 2021

VISITOR CENTRE CLOSURE: WALKERS ACTION GROUP PRODUCE LEAFLETS In November 2020, Calderdale Council, having funds seriously cut by central Government, decided that Hebden Bridge Visitor Centre should remain permanently closed. Now, Hebden Bridge Walkers Action have made sure that locally produced leaflets about all kinds of walks are available. More info 28 July 2021

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 36 - there's Readers' book recommendations for the beach and the bedside; a thought experiment for sporting defeat; a football hero and his singing neice; a Smart poet's guide to cats; Victoria Wood and Julie Walters; Freedom Day tribulations; a Triangle princess; memory tips; Boris's great gamble and variations on a theme by Cole Porter. See Murphy's Lore 36 (26 July)

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW In the latest of The Hebden Bridge Interview series, author Richard Carter, tells George Murphy how he combined his interests in history, nature and science with his rambles on the moorlands above Heights Road to write his celebrated book On the Moor. He shares his opinions on Charles Darwin, rewilding, grouse shooting, wind turbines and global warming. Read all 18 Interviews (20 July)

THE HEBDEN ROYD VALLEY STORY On 24 July at The Picture House, Nick Wilding chronicles the Hebden Royd Valley and the hilltop villages through the fascinating tales from his own and other people's films. A hundred years of movies and several centuries of historic inspiration - A Picture House Centenary Celebration. More info and trailer

HEBDEN BRIDGE CAMERA CLUB ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2021 This year's Hebden Bridge Camera Club Exhibition will be taking place at the Town Hall - restrictions allowing. It will be open 10am - 4pm from Saturday 28 August to Saturday 4 September (closed Sun 29 August). More info and photos (15 July)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 35 - there’s birthday memories, a famous correspondent passes by, tips for armchair sports fans, a reader recalls a royal, the battle for Batley, how storytellers rule the world, a Covid denier, a changing view of changelings, Covid cases rising and a tour of Open Studios. See Murphy's Lore 35 (12 July)

WALKING TO PREVENT EXTINCTION: Inspired by Extinction Rebellion, Jude Walker, aged 11, from Hebden Bridge is walking the 200 miles to London over three weeks to raise awareness of the campaign for harsher taxes on corporations who emit the most greenhouse gases. See Yorks Post article 11 July 2021

ARTSMILL AT HEBBLE END WORKS: After a successful meeting last night there will be a AGM for new Trustees for Artsmill. More info 9 July 2021

A MULTIMILLION-POUND 'GROWING RESILIENCE' PROJECT to reduce flood risk. Hundreds of hectares of landscape restored, and thousands of trees planted as part of an ambitious environmental project to reduce flood risk. Read more. 7 July 2021

NEARLY £100K GRANT TO HELP PRESERVE SIGNAL BOX: Calder Valley Community Land Trust has received the news that it is to receive a £99,600 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a project focused on preserving the building and creating a heritage centre. Read more 6 July 2021

COVID NUMBERS RISING DAILY - Sun 4 July: Hebden Bridge, 28 cases, (highest this year) Mytholmroyd, 11 cases and 58 cases in Tod (highest since Nov) for the week ending 29 June. There were 88 new cases in Calderdale in the past 24 hours. That makes 327 per 100k, a 6 month high compared with 208 per 100k for England, and still rising. More info. (4 July)

COMMUNITY LAND TRUST SEEKS EXECUTIVE MANAGER who will lead the development and transition of CVCLT from a volunteer-led, project driven organisation to a fully financially sustainable organisation More info 2 July 2021

LOCAL SCHOOLCHILDREN CREATE AN EXHIBITION OF 1000 POSTCARDS: An exhibition of 1000 postcards made by 3 – 16 years olds from 15 local schools and nurseries will open to the public from Monday 19 July at Hebden Bridge Town Hall, before moving on to Mytholmroyd. Read more

MYTHOLMROYD STATION PARTNERSHIP - THE QUEEN'S AWARD The Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson, was welcomed by Geoff and Sue Mitchell, Chairman and Secretary of the Mytholmroyd Station Partnership who were presented with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2021 on behalf of the Partnership. Read more 31 July

YORKSHIRE WATER HALTS GROUSE SHOOTING on its moorland above Hebden Bridge, and is seeking a partnership with a conservation agency or a sustainable farming operation for the future management of Baitings, Turley Holes and Higher House Moor. See Yorkshire Post article 30 July 2021

CROWS - REPAIRING AND IMPROVING OUR FOOTPATHS Volunteers from CROWS - our local Community Rights of Way Service  - continue to improve and repair footpaths in our area and the rest of the Upper Valley. See video and read about some of their recent work 27 July 2021

THE IDEA OF THE BRAIN Prof Matthew Cobb told a recent University of the 3rd Age meeting about "The Idea of the Brain" and the history of human understanding of how the brain works. Read report 22 July 2021

HARDCASTLE CRAGS CEREMONY FOR SLOW THE FLOW AWARD Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr. Ed Anderson, visited Hardcastle Crags this week to award Slow The Flow the highest honour a voluntary group can achieve. The Queens Award for Voluntary Service is equivalent to an MBE in volunteering. Read more 21 July 2021

LIVES REMEMBERED: STEVE SWEENEY Steve was a Hebden Royd councillor for 4 years, and a Calderdale councillor for Tod for 9 years. "Everyone will remember him as a warm and generous person who was committed to making the world a better place." See Lives Remembered 19 July 2021

DISABILITY GROUPS CALL FOR CONTINUED MASK WEARING Local disability groups have written to Tracey Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, and Tim Swift and Jane Scullion, Leader and Deputy Leader of Calderdale Council to encourage continued mask wearing and social distancing, and to improve ventilation on public transport. Read more 16 July 2021

HEBDEN BRIDGE PICTURE HOUSE CELEBRATES ITS 100TH BIRTHDAY and played host to a reduced capacity audience on Sat 10 July, inviting them to travel back through the decades with a re-enactment of the 1921 opening ceremony, and a screening of Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid. Read more

THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE TO RAISE CASH FOR OVERGATE HOSPICE - Fifteen hardy hikers from Calrec in Hebden Bridge are hoping to raise £10,000 for Overgate Hospice by completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in under 12 hours. Read more 12 July 2021

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW The latest George Murphy interview: Discover Sarah Courtney's fascinating past and present: musician, comedian, language teacher, lorry driver, scuba diver, botanist, fundraiser, foster carer, mother, bar tender, ASD support worker, photographer, open mic enabler, office manager and Calderdale Councillor! But what does she do in her spare time? Read all 17 HebWeb Interviews (8 July)

OPEN STUDIOS: 9-11 JULY Visit over 80 artist's studios and workshops throughout the Upper Calder Valley. From Todmorden to Mytholmroyd, Old Town to Cragg Vale and many more of the surrounding villages. More info

A RARE FILM EVENT AT THE PICTURE HOUSE: Guerilla Docs will complete production on their feature length Holocaust documentary Getting Away With Murder(s) on Friday 9 July and on Sunday 18 July the film will have a test screening at Hebden Bridge Picture House. Read more

TOWN HALL EXHIBITION: THE FLOW PROJECT: An exhibition celebrating 18 months of collaboration between Calderdale artist Anne Fox and Slow the Flow is taking place at Hebden Bridge Town Hall for 6 weeks from 13th July. More info

COMMUNITY LAND TRUST SEEKS EXECUTIVE MANAGER who will lead the development and transition of CVCLT from a volunteer-led, project driven organisation to a fully financially sustainable organisation More info 2 July 2021

HELP SAVE ARTSMILL: Artsmill meeting Wednesday 7th July, 6.15pm, Hebble End Works for site visit, then 7pm at Innovations Cafe for meeting. See Facebook page

THE REDISCOVERY OF PARLINGTON HALL, once the home of the Gascoignes, a noted Yorkshire family, situated near Aberford, the other side of Leeds. Speaker, Brian Hull told a recent U3A meeting how he had spent 10 years investigating just what happened to the Hall. Read more (30 June)

ONE-WOMAN CAMPAIGN in support of the Palestinian people. Local journalist Peter Lazenby interviews Christine Drake about her solo demonstration held in the square since 2014 - the abuse, the threats and the reasons for her continued protest. Read Morning Star article. 26 June 2021

REMEMBERING CRAGG HALL 11 August 2021, marks the 100-year anniversary of the fire that burnt down the mansion, Cragg Hall. Supported by the Town Council, local people and businesses, the Cragg Vale Local History Group will be holding a series of events to mark the anniversary. More info

MYTHOLMROYD PLANS FOR AN ENHANCED LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY HUB: An exciting new project is fast gaining support in Mytholmroyd. Since hearing the news that the library was scheduled to close, action has been taken to see if the original building can be transformed to provide both a library and community hub. Read more 22 June 2021

TODMORDEN AND UFOs: with the impending release of a Pentagon report on UFOs, Todmorden is attracting national interest. The Guardian today says the town has been the site of a number of unexplained events and sightings – "earning itself a reputation as Britain's answer to Roswell". See Guardian article. 21 June 2021

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 33 - In Episode 33 of Lockdown Diary, there's a city on a hill, Holbein and Anne Boleyn, a blind man and a sculptor, a lost yes and no bag, generosity thwarted, Ruskin's View, a lesson from Akala, Piers and a choice of Keirs, a new cafe, a Scottish rhyme, two local writers and how not to read a whodunnit. See Murphy's Lore 33 (14 June)

LAUNCH: TED HUGHES'S TRAIL: On Saturday 3rd July, 1.00-3.00pm. Discovering Ted Hughes's Yorkshire literary and heritage trail (with maps from Chris Goddard) will take place at Mytholmroyd Community Centre, with poetry readings by poets Carola Luther and David Morley, and a short talk by Hughes expert, Dr Steve Ely. Read more

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP LOOK AFTER 112,000 NEW TREES: The National Trust is appealing for volunteers to help look after a special area of moorland, sitting above Gorpley Reservoir, which is owned by Yorkshire Water, and has undergone a major transformation, with 112,000 new trees planted. Read more 9 June 2021

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW George Murphy interviews Rob Collins, Hebden Bridge's very own luthier! Chemical engineer turned musical instrument maker, Rob Collins sells ukuleles and other musical instruments to buyers from all round the world. A man who can make sweet music from a tin can and who invites you, once lockdown is unlocked, to make music with him and a friendly crowd of pluckers at a famous local hostelry. Read all 16 Interviews (8 June)

QUEEN'S AWARD FOR SLOW THE FLOW, the group of volunteers from the Calder Valley. They have been honoured with The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. Read story 27 May 2021

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 34 - In Episode 34 of Lockdown Diary,there's a grand day out gone wrong, Ronnie Barker v Compo Simmonite, advice from Mo Mowlem, opium and cannabis in literature, a Rev on the run, lost and found relatives, being frank about Frank, Tod and UFOS, a midnight ramble, a spice road tale and Hancock gets a grip. See Murphy's Lore 34 (28 June)

HEBDEN BRIDGE FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME: the St Pol car park in Hebden Bridge will be closed from 7am on Monday 28th June and is expected to re-open by 5pm on Tuesday 29th June. More info

PICTURE HOUSE TO RE-OPEN IN TIME FOR CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS: Hebden Bridge Picture House, the not-for-profit single screen cinema owned by Hebden Royd Town Council, is now ready to open its doors on Monday 28 June, just 2 weeks before the historic venue celebrates its centenary. Read more

LIVES REMEMBERED: DONGRIA Also known as Penny Eastwood, Dongria Kondh died peacefully after a long illness on Monday 14th June 2021. See Lives Remembered page

OLD TOWN POST OFFICE RE-OPENS: Wadsworth Post Office re-opened yesterday following temporary closure to modernise to become one which offers Post Office services in a modern open plan retail environment alongside a new café. Read more and see photos. 17 June 2021

LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE TO CONTINUE Following concerns raised by local councillors, funding has been found to continue mental health services based in Todmorden and Hebden Bridge. Read more 15 June 2021

COVID NUMBERS RISE: Weds, 9 June: Hebden Bridge, 7 cases, Mytholmroyd, 8 cases and 25 cases in Tod for the week ending 4 June. Until last week, Mytholmroyd had been reporting 0-2 cases for nearly 2 months and Hebden Bridge had reported 0-2 cases for 3 weeks. There were 50 new cases in Calderdale in the past 24 hours, the largest number for nearly 4 months. That makes 61 per 100k compared with 44 per 100k for England and rising. More info. (9 June)

CALDERDALE REFUGEE WEEK is from 14-20 June. Some events are online and some are in person but they are all free to attend. Organised by Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary. More info

MYTHOLMROYD STATION PARTNERSHIP WINS THE QUEENS AWARD - and they are also (slowly) advancing towards having a Community Hub from what used to be a derelict station building. Read their latest news. 6 June 2021

DELTA VARIANT IN TOD Calderdale Council is urging people in Todmorden to take extra care when out and about this weekend, as a number of cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19 (first identified in India) have been found in Todmorden and are linked to socialising in the evening. Read more 4 June 2021

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 32 - In Episode 32, there’s a celebration of Bob Dylan’s birthday, a whinge at politicians and princes, memories of Dylan concerts, storytellers in the park, memories of Ron the runner, a megaphone in the Square, folk tales, Beatles, Bob and a hurricane. See Murphy's Lore 32 (31 May)

CAREER SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE: Young People facing additional employment challenges due to the pandemic have been given additional careers and employment support in a package agreed by Hebden Royd Town Council. More info 27 May 2021

COMMUNITY LAND TRUST READY TO RECRUIT: This innovative local charitable trust is about to take a big step forward, by appointing its first member of staff. Read more 4 May 2021

BLOCKED PAVEMENTS EXCLUDE DISABLED PEOPLE FROM OUR STREETS. Disabled people in Hebden Bridge and throughout Calderdale are stepping up their campaign for the banning of A boards and other obstructions on our narrow pavements. Read more 20 May 2021

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 31 - there’s a boiler on the blink; Buckells and Boris; bumbling villains; an eagle, a cat and a doe; a many brained creature; a honeymoon on the rails; the mating life of Argonauts; minding your Ps&Qs; a museum without walls, a famous wartime tale and much more! See Murphy's Lore 31 (17 May)

TWINNING SOCIETY: THREE TOWNS MEET FOR ONLINE QUIZ: A tri-partite Online Social event between Hebden Royd, St Pol and Warstein took place on Saturday evening, 8th May. Read more

CLLR ROB FREETH IS THE NEW MAYOR of Hebden Royd. Cllr Freeth has lived in Hebden Royd since 1981 where he was Headteacher of Scout Road Primary School and now lives in Wadsworth in the Birchcliffe Ward. More info 11 May 2021

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 30 - There’s a watchdog bitten, an al fresco pint, the life of an introvert, a tongue meat tale, a bash street kid, principal boys, mill fire Saturdays, a local fairy tale, the march of the toads, Sofology, Cornholme versus Hebden Bridge controversy and much more! See Murphy's Lore 30 (3 May)

TOWN COUNCIL TO TACKLE POLLUTION WITH A SUPERPLANT Research by the Royal Horticultural Society has shown that a hedging plant is efficient at trapping harmful particles emitted by vehicles. This shrub will be planted in strips of land bordering the A646. More info 27 May 2021

SAVE HEPTONSTALL MUSEUM: Latest info following the survey by the Friends of Heptonstall Museum. Read updated report (26 May)

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW George Murphy interviews award winning theatre artist and storyteller Debs Newbold. Read about her theatrical triumphs and her family's love of upper Calder. Learn about Deb's Brummie upbringing, Hebden Bridge wedding and zest for outdoors. There's an analysis of Les Dawson, a championing of The Globe Theatre, insights into how Shakespeare still helps actors, a talking cat and much more! Read all 15 HebWeb Interviews (25 May)

COINERS' STORY SET TO BE BBC DRAMA, based upon local author Benjamin Myers' book, The Gallows Pole. UK filmmaker Shane Meadows is to make the drama with UK-Irish producers Element Pictures. Read full article in Screen Daily 18 May 2021

NELSON'S WINE BAR RE-OPENING after 16 months. Following the floods of February 2020 and the Covid Pandemic, Hebden Bridge institution, Nelson's Wine Bar, will be reopening on Wednesday 19 May. More info

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW George Murphy interviews Tristan Langlois. As lockdown prepares to unlock, Hebden Bridge storyteller and museum educator, Tristan Langlois is in the HebWeb spotlight. Read about past and present pleasures, fell running, early jobs and his current role at the Royal Armouries. Even more importantly, Tristan is Chairman of Hebden Bridge’s famous Shaggydog Storytellers! Read all 14 Interviews (11 May)

"UNHIDDEN" MICRO-EXHIBITION from 29-31 May. A weekend micro-exhibition to share artworks produced by the community groups who have participated in the Arts Festival's Creative Neighbourhoods project. More info (6 May 2021)

JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT TOWN HALLThe Town Hall (and Café) plans to re-open 17 May and is currently advertising for key roles to join the staff team. More info 4 May 2021

PICTURE HOUSE TO RE-OPEN END OF JUNE: Our much-loved local cinema is now set to open its doors again on Monday 28 June, subject to the Government’s roadmap guidance. This is just 2 weeks before celebrating its 100th birthday. Read more 3 May 2021

CRYSTAL WILDE: FINDING PEACE IN HIPPIE HEBDEN BRIDGE: "Hippies, hikers, kooky cafes, drugs and lesbians: my home town of Hebden Bridge is notorious for many reasons, some more surprising than others." See feature in The Independent 2 May 2021

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW George Murphy interviews Nicola Jones who shares her experiences as an ally of gay friends; recounts tales of prejudice and abuse during the early years of the Aids pandemic; describes the excitement of growing up during the 1980s Manchester music boom, favourite bands and records; why she moved to Hebden Bridge; her work with Hebden Civic Trust; what lockdown has been like for a single person living on her own and much, much more. Read all HebWeb Interviews (27 April)

THE BISCUIT - THE HISTORY OF A VERY BRITISH INDULGENCE Dr Lizzie Collingham told U3A members about her research into the History of a very British indulgence, from near prehistoric breads and biscuits in the Middle East to tales of British naval supremacy, colonial life and industrial food production. Read more (22 April)

COUNCILLOR TO RUN THE MAYOR'S CHARITY CHALLENGE A Hebden Royd Councillor is running 17 kilometres in a bid to raise money for the Mayor's chosen charity, Hebden Bridge & District Old People's Welfare Committee. Read more (21 April)

KEIGHLEY ROAD CLOSURES IN MAY Weekday, daytime closures are scheduled on the A6033 from Hebden Bridge to Oxenhope, during May, to allow for resurfacing works - the last part of extensive safety improvements. More info (19 April)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 29 - there's Nazis, Windsors and a blackmailing spy, politics and jam, the sex lives of sheep, Boris on the sofa, a nation moans, the Duke's Award, yellow wallpaper, a man on the moors, a bird in a church, unforgotten children, a history of sex and the games girls played. See Murphy's Lore 29 (19 April)

HANGING BASKET SCHEME FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd are set to be transformed by colour as the Town Council once again invites local businesses to join the hanging basket scheme, ensuring our towns remain as attractive as ever.  More info (15 April)

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW George Murphy interviews Benjamin Myers, the award winning writer who lives in Mytholmroyd with his wife, novelist Adelle Stripe. His novels include The Offing and The Gallows Pole, which won the Walter Scott Prize. Ben describes his early start as a writer, playing in a band, music journalism, the influence of Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath, his reaction to Lockdown, the scope and theme of his new short story collection, and much more. Read all 12 HebWeb Interviews

ARTS FESTIVAL SEEKS NEW BOARD MEMBERS If you would like to be hands-on with one of Yorkshire's longest running Arts Organisations then they would love to hear from you. More info (7 April)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 28 - In Episode 28 of Lockdown Diaries, there’s badgers alive, dead and badgered; dogs brutish and brutalised; Algy and Helen; spouses’ grouses; pangolins and swallows; qualzucht; Liz and the White Swan; Back Answers and Readers Write. See Murphy's Lore 28 (5 April)

MAP IDENTIFIES OPPORTUNITIES TO SLOW THE FLOW: Many small‐scale interventions, taken together, can result in a significant amount of water being temporarily stored, or attenuated, during storm events. And Slow the Flow is developing maps to help landowners identify opportunities. Read more (1 April)

HEBDEN BRIDGE TRENDS ON TWITTER Once again, Hebden Bridge is in the news following extensive posting on Twitter and Facebook about this notice which appeared in Cornholme's free library. Read more - Updated with media reports and Hebden Bridge response notice (30 April)

TRADES CLUB TO BRING BACK JAZZ As Hebden Bridge Trades Club puts together its post pandemic line-up they've decided to bring back jazz and harpist Alina Bzhezhinska opens the jazz season. Read more

LIBRARIES ARE BACK OPEN - Hebden Bridge and Todmorden Libraries are now open for you to choose your books/DVDs (hooray), to return or collect items, use the computers and for limited study space. More info (22 April)

CALDER VALLEY RADIO ON MEET THE RICHARDSONS Calder Valley Radio, along with presenters Guy Parry and Dave Moses, feature this week and next week on Meet the Richardsons on the TV channel Dave. Read more (22 April)

NEW TECHNOLOGY TO HELP MONITOR FLOOD RISK Camera technology is being installed along watercourses in the Calder Valley to help monitor drainage and assess flood risk. Read more (21 April)

CALLS FOR CLIMATE PROMISE FROM LOCAL ELECTION CANDIDATES - An alliance of local community groups and businesses is calling on all candidates to pledge to take strong action on the climate and ecological emergencies should they get elected in May. Read more (19 April)

GIBSON MILL OPENS DOORS FOR WEDDINGS With restrictions on weddings beginning to lift slightly from the 12 April, the team at Hardcastle Crags are preparing to launch Gibson Mill as a fully off-grid, sustainable wedding venue  More info (16 April)

CALDERDALE COUNCIL AND WEST YORKSHIRE MAYOR ELECTIONS on 6 May - for a list of candidates for, the election to Calderdale Council, Hebden Royd bye-election, election to West Yorkshire Mayor, and how to register to vote for these elections, see this HebWeb news item (14 April)

WADSWORTH BACKS THE CLIMATE AND ECOLOGY EMERGENCY BILL which aims to ensure that Britain has a comprehensive strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and restore our natural world. Read more (8 April)

IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT OLD TOWN PLAYGROUND - Wadsworth Parish Council is undertaking improvements at a number of facilities including the playgrounds at Pecket Well and Old Town Green. Read more (8 April)

Nurses Not Nukes: Outrage as Government announces increase in nuclear stockpile but offers health workers a pitiful pay rise. CND staged a demo outside Tod Health Centre on 1 April to protest, and declared that Boris is the April Fool. Read more

300 EGG AND DAFFODIL SURPRISES - Calder Community Cares secretly delivered 300  Easter eggs and 300 bunches of daffodils to the elderly, the vulnerable and young families dropping into poverty for the first time in Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Todmorden! Read more (4 April)

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW George Murphy interviews the artist Kate Lycett, well known for her captivating portrayals of Hebden Bridge and its surrounding towns, villages and countryside. Kate discusses her latest project, explains the lasting influence of textile design on her style, how she is coping with lockdown and why the Pennines inspire her work. Read all 11 Interviews (30 March)

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF NICO - TV star Maxine Peake joins an all-star line up for an all day event at Hebden Bridge Trades Club celebrating the life of Velvet Underground singer Nico who played a legendary gig at the club. Read more. (27 March)

MAYOR’S APPEAL for Hebden Royd Charity in 17k Running Challenge - Mayor Cllr Val Stevens, is inviting experienced and confident runners to take on the challenge between Easter and the Spring Bank Holidays. More info (25 March 2021)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 27 - One year on, and the UK is top of the league; children back to school and care homes start to unlock; Alexa and The Boss; Oprah and the Royals; Halifax Holly; a likely lad and Van Morrison commuting; encounters with celebs; responses to Covid; Don the Drone; council tax and interior designs; and Readers Write. See Murphy's Lore 27 (22 March)

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN: OTHER ISSUES AND IMPLEMENTATION - the last of the weekly articles about specific aspects of the Plan. A great opportunity to suggest what new community, recreation and cultural facilities the Plan could be promoting. Join the next online Q&A on Tues 23 March, 7pm (19 March)

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW George Murphy interviews writer Peter Riley who shares childhood memories and explains how teachers inspired his love of poetry and travel. Peter reflects on his many occupations, moving north and Parkinson’s Disease. He's the author of more than 20 publications and since moving to the area his Due North (2015) was shortlisted for The Forward Prize and his Collected Poems (2018) was published. Read all 10 Interviews (15 March)

HAPPY VALLEY PRIDE DIGITAL EVENTS continue with special spoken word event. FLUID celebrates Queer Identities in Spoken Word on Sunday 21 March at 8pm. Read more.

DISABILITY ACCESS FORUM TO FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum has its next ordinary meeting on Monday 15 March, 3pm by Zoom video link. The meeting will be focusing on Mental Health issues. More info

A COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE AT CALLIS MILL? Money is being sought to help bring Callis Mill back to life. It is to cover start-up costs and equipment required to make Callis Mill into a fully accessible arts centre for Hebden Bridge and the Calder Valley. Read more. (9 March)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 26 - In episode 26, there's memories of caning and slippering, the power of the pen, Bob All Over, children and long covid, crowds at the Town Hall, middle age, 6 word stories, a wooden box, a grim Grimm and Wisdom Reservoir.  See Murphy's Lore 26 (8 March)

SIX ILLUSTRATED TED HUGHES WALKS illustrated by Chris Goddard, are now available online and through bookshops and libraries. Produced by the Ted Hughes Network with the help of our Town Council and the Elmet Trust. More info and links to the literary and heritage trail maps. (5 March)

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN: CLIMATE CHANGE, FLOODING & LANDSCAPE - This latest HebWeb news item about the new Neighbourhood Plan includes consideration of measures needed to help prevent more catastrophic flood events such as those of 2000, 2012, 2015 and 2020. Read more. (5 March)

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW: George Murphy interviews Chris Green, who is the driving force behind White Ribbon UK. Read about his inspirational, action packed life: a decade of communal living, work for Co-ops and community businesses, times in Finland, Derry, Palestine, Brick Lane, Grunswick - and on anti fascist marches.
Read all 8 Interviews (3 March)

THE FUTURE OF MYTHOLMROYD LIBRARY A recent meeting convened by Royd Regeneration & ward councillors saw over 50 people attend to show their support and ideas for a community hub library run by the community for the community. Read more (3 March)

SAVE HEPTONSTALL MUSEUM: Following the decision by Calderdale Council to close Heptonstall Museum, a working group has been set up - the Friends of Heptonstall Museum - with the aim of taking on the museum as a community asset. Read more and complete survey. (1 March)

THREE WORLD-CHANGING WOMEN SCIENTISTS: Speaker Georgina Ferry told a recent meeting of the University of the 3rd Age a tale of three ground-breaking women scientists of the twentieth century: Kathleen Lonsdale, Dorothy Crowfoot and Rosalind Franklin. Read report (30 March)

AROUND THE UK IN CLASSIC RAILWAY POSTERS - Jane Ellis of the Railway Ramblers’ Club told members of the Local History Society, who were gathered around their screens for the final Zoom of the season, about the 'golden age' of the railway poster. Read report (28 March)

LIVES REMEMBERED: NEVILLE SHARP remembered by Calder Valley Search & Rescue Team. In a celebration of his life, they have shared stories and memories of someone who will be remembered for "being an inspiration", a man full of enthusiasm and dedicated to everything for which he was passionate. Read more (26 March)

FILM FESTIVAL PRIZE WINNERS ANNOUNCED The Best Narrative Feature and the Audience Award winner was Luna: A Yak in the Classroom. Read more on prizes and festival highlights. (25 March)

DUCK RACE 2021 – UPDATE FROM DUCK FARM This Easter Monday, the annual event, organised by the Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge, is having to be a virtual event from a secret location, because of the Covid restrictions. More info

PACE EGG PLAY 2021 ONLINE - more information, links and photos.

LLOYD GEORGE, SPANISH FLU, AND THE 1918 GENERAL ELECTION in the Calder Valley. In 1918, Lloyd George was already planning to fight a General Election as ‘the man who won the war.’ As Alan Fowler, former lecturer in economic and social history at Manchester Metropolitan University, explained to a Zoom meeting of Local History Society, things did not turn out quite as he planned. Read report

MAXINE PEAKE READS POEM CELEBRATING THE PICTURE HOUSE Hebden Bridge Film Festival patron Maxine Peake has recorded a specially commissioned poem, written by Hebden Bridge based poet and performer Clare Shaw, that celebrates the power of cinema, as part of the 2021 Festival. More info, and video of Maxine Peak reading the poem (17 March)

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN: TRANSPORT AND ACCESSIBILITY - Transport is the largest generator of carbon emissions and Hebden Bridge still has unlawful air quality. Public transport, train, bus, cycling, and walking - all need encouraging. With transport and parking always lively areas for debate, read this article, make your comments and join the next online Q&A on Tues 23 March, 7pm (12 March)

EAT TOGETHER STAY HOME - Calder Community Cares was set up over a year ago to swiftly respond to the needs of the community and the impact of Covid-19. It has grown to an army of volunteers who provide practical and social support. Read more (11 March)

'INFECTIOUS' PHOTO PROJECT As the country emerges from lockdowns, residents in the Upper Valley are invited to share what has given them solace and joy during the past year. Titled 'Infectious', the photographic project hopes to show, even in a pandemic, people can be positive and inspiring. Read more (7 March)

HARAMI TO PREMIERE AS PART OF HEBDEN BRIDGE FILM FESTIVAL. A modern Oliver Twist set in bustling Mumbai, Harami tells the story of a teenage pickpocket who develops a conscience. More info (6 March)

2021 CENSUS AND HELP FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS On 21 March 2021, the Office for National Statistics (ONS will once again be calling upon the people of England and Wales to complete a census form. The census is vital to understanding the makeup of a population, as well as highlighting changes in the past decade. Read more (4 March)

COVID NUMBERS LOCALLY: 1 March - 6 cases in Hebden Bridge (65 per 100k), 6 (70 per 100k) in Mytholmroyd and 8 in Tod for the week to 24 Feb. There were 28 new cases in Calderdale (134 per 100k) as a whole for the past 24 hours. For the 7 days to 24 Feb the rate per 100k for England was 103, again, the lowest this year. More info. (1 March)

NUMBER OF NEW CASES COMING DOWN: 5455 new cases nationally today compared with 53285 on 1 Jan. Last summer, the numbers went down to less than a 1000 new cases a day for several weeks. In Calderdale, the number of new cases has been 28 for each of the past 2 days, compared with 120 on 8 Jan. Last summer, the number of new cases in Calderdale per day was often in single figures. More info. 1 March

COVID NUMBERS LOCALLY: 26 FEB - 5 cases in Hebden Bridge (54 per 100k), 6 (70 per 100k) in Mytholmroyd and 16 in Tod (95 per 100k) for the week to 21 Feb. There were 39 new cases in Calderdale (170 per 100k) as a whole for the past 24 hours. For the 7 days to 21 Feb the rate per 100k for England was 117, again, the lowest this year. More info. (26 Feb)

THE HUMOUR AND ART OF THE PICTURE POSTCARD Dr James Taylor told the local U3A of the history of the picture postcard as an art form, as a mode of communication, as propaganda and as a vehicle for humour. Read report. (24 Feb)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 25 - In episode 25, there's Ted Hughes down the pit, dad dancing in the 60s, first loves, vaccinations, grandfatherly advice on love, Heathcliffe and Cathy, Ted and Sylvia, a septic isle and sceptic care workers, a Hebden Bridge Love song and a man who said too much.  See Murphy's Lore 24 (22 Feb)

VACCINES AND VACCINATION IN CALDERDALE Over 100 members of the University of Third Age attended a Zoom talk by the Director of Public Health for Calderdale, Deborah Harkins, who explained that the purposes of the vaccination programme. Read report (18 Feb)

LAUNCH OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION FOR NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN - Should more homes built? And where? What about climate change, regeneration and economic recovery, local facilities, transport and parking? The first of a series of HebWeb articles about the new Neighbourhood Plan consultation, which launches today. Read more, with links to more info and survey. (17 Feb)

ONLINE QUIZ FOR TWINNING SOCIETY AND COUNCILLORS: Last Saturday evening Town Clerk Jason Boom co-ordinated the Hebden Bridge Twinning Society online quiz with an entertaining list of questions from Cllr Pat Fraser. Read more (11 Feb)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 24 - There's Whisky George, a film pitch rejected, poems censored, a President demented, a gruesome tale, rude awakenings, absenteeism and lateness, singing to Tommy Steel, Lewis Carroll and John Tenniel, Shania Twain and Kylie Minogue, music remembered, getting Joe's number and readers who wrote.  See Murphy's Lore 24 (8 Feb)

ONE YEAR ON FROM STORM CIARA Tuesday 9 February 2021 marks the first anniversary of Storm Ciara, which caused Calderdale’s fourth major flood in just eight years and brought 10 miles of damage across the borough. Photo thanks to Mike Barrett - the centre of Hebden Bridge. Click photo to enlarge. Read more

THE HISTORY OF SOCIAL HOUSING IN HEPTONSTALL Historian Mary Ellen gave a Zoomed talk to the Local History Society about the ambition to demolish  slums and house working people in decent and roomy accommodation. She described a widespread feeling that a ‘new Jerusalem’ was possible. Read report. (1 Feb)

JOHN F BATEMAN BRITAIN'S FOREMOST RESERVOIR ENGINEER and local lad. In a fascinating Zoom talk to Local History Society, Michael O'Grady explored the construction of local reservoirs, and the stellar career of John F Bateman, the engineer behind the planning, design and making of Hebden Bridge's earth embankment reservoirs. Read report (27 Feb)

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN: REGENERATION AND NEW HOUSING - This latest HebWeb news item about the new Neighbourhood Plan describes proposals to regenerate and improve sites and provide new housing. Read more. (25 Feb)

FILM FESTIVAL 2021 LINE-UP ANNOUNCED Tickets for the online Hebden Bridge Film Festival, taking place from 19-21 March 2021, are now on sale. See films to be shown, and how to book.

NEW BURSARY TO HELP STUDENTS RESEARCHING FLOOD MANAGEMENT funded by Calderdale Council, the Environment Agency, National Trust and Slow The Flow. The first bursary has been awarded to Sophie Tankard. Read more (20 Feb)

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN - This 2nd HebWeb news item about the new Neighbourhood Plan, which launched Wednesday, 17 Feb, summarises some key points to consider. Read more. (18 Feb)

WHO BUILT HEBDEN BRIDGE? We so often take our own neighbourhood for-granted, but Michael Peel's talk to Hebden Bridge Local History Society brought to life the history of the buildings that make up Hebden Bridge's 'Victorian Quarter' and focused on the area known as 'the Croft' between Commercial Street, New Road and Bridge Gate. Read report. (17 Feb)

ARTS FESTIVAL SEEKS NEW TRUSTEES - The Festival Board are actively looking to diversify with dynamic candidates to join their experienced team. More info (13 Feb)

HAPPY VALLEY PRIDE PRESENTS SPRING 2021 DIGITAL LINE UP - The line-up includes local performers, award winning artists and international stars of stage and screen. Read more (10 Feb)

HEBDEN BRIDGE BASED 'ASK THE QUESTION' AWARDED GRANT from the Calderdale Community Foundation as part of the 'Never Hungry Again' fund. Read more about this Community tutoring fund (8 Feb)

WHITE RIBBON'S CHRIS GREEN GOES TO ETON - Chris Green from Hebden Bridge, and Founder of the Hebden Bridge based organisation aiming to to end male violence against women, spoke at Eton College on Tues 2 February. Read more (5 Feb)

HEBDEN BRIDGE WOMAN SWIMS IN FROZEN LAKES EVERY DAY to help homeless. Professional artist Rachel Bull has swum in the icy waters around Hebden Bridge every day in January. Read report (1 Feb)

TREE FELLING IN CRIMSWORTH DEAN Following the controversy about the National Trust's tree felling in the Crags, local residents have this morning told the HebWeb of more mature beech woodland being felled. This time in Crimsworth Dean. Read more & see photos (27 Jan)

HEBDEN ROYD COUNCIL TO FUND CITIZENS ADVICE ADVISER The Town Council are funding a CAB Adviser to ensure anyone that is struggling in the community can access the help and support that they need. More info (25 Jan)

PRESERVING OUR WOODLAND HERITAGE AT HARDCASTLE CRAGS - An Alternative Approach - In a powerful Forum message, L Jackson argues for a review of the Woodland Management Plan at Hardcastle Crags, public consultation, and a suspension of work which involves "cutting down or otherwise killing between 40-60% of all the trees across two-thirds of the whole Hardcastle Crags estate." See this Forum article (22 Jan)

NUCLEAR BAN TREATY On 22 January, the 2017 UN Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (aka 'the Nuclear Ban Treaty') will come into force, making nuclear weapons illegal under international law. Hebden Royd Town Council was the third UK Council to support the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Cities Appeal and the Nuclear Ban Treaty. Read more (21 Jan)

SHORT FILM COMPETITION DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Hebden Bridge Film Festival Short Film Competition deadline has been extended until Saturday 6 February 2021. More info

WORK CONTINUES ON WOODLAND AT HARDCASTLE CRAGS: Contractors will be working to fell trees throughout Hardcastle Crags over the next few months. And the Crags management say that "Thousands of new trees will be planted to help create a healthier woodland." See press release from the National Trust (18 Jan)

HORSE MCDONALD LIVE SHOW AND Q&A for Happy Valley Pride. The show takes place on Facebook Live and Zoom at 7pm on Sunday 24 January. The performance will be followed by a live Q&A.  Read more (11 Jan)

COULD YOU BE A LOCAL COVID-19 CHAMPION? A volunteering scheme to support local communities during the Coronavirus pandemic has been rolled out across Calderdale to support those impacted by Coronavirus, with training is delivered by three retired medical professionals. Read more (9 Jan)

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW George Murphy interviews Bryony Mylroie-Smith, an educated, super fit, much travelled, born and bred Hebden Bridge woman, who set up a successful business, had a child and then had to deal with COVID! A story for our times to continue the series of The HebWeb Interview into 2021. Read all 8 Interviews. (7 Jan)

"PECKET WELL CLOUGH DESTRUCTION" - "The beech trees are beautiful and it would be very sad to see them go. It also seems perverse in a time when we need to have more trees to reduce CO2 that they would take down those magnificent trees" - See discussion forum (5 Jan)

ON TOP OF THE WORLD IN A WHEELCHAIR – AN UPLIFTING TALE Deborah North told the January meeting of the U3A how she used an award-winning all-terrain wheelchair to access national parks, 'walk' coast to coast and achieve 3 munros, and is planning for Helvelyn. Read report. (28 Jan)

RESPONSE TO STORM CHRISTOPH - SLOW THE FLOW Yet another major storm which, due to effects of our changing climate, are becoming more intense and significantly more frequent. In their reponse to Storm Christophe, Slow the Flow argue for investment in the prevention of flooding, not just dealing with the impact once flood water gets into our towns and villages. Read report (26 Jan)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 23 - In Lockdown Diary, Episode 23, there's dreams unreal and surreal, underground poems, trouble with toilets, trying to find Todmorden, bad news and good news, a flood avoided,  CND & C&W.  See Murphy's Lore 23 (25 Jan)

BREARLEY FIELDS FLOOD OVERFLOW DOES ITS JOB Storm Christope last week turned Brearley Fields into a lake. New measures will benefit birds, fish and other local wildlife, attract visitors to the area and provide educational opportunities. Read more (24 Jan)

STORM CHRISTOPH hit the Calder Valley from 19-21 January. Once again, our area faced serious risk of further flooding, from heavy rain falling on already saturated ground, along with melting snow. The level of the river peaked Weds afternoon at 5:15pm at 1.94m and was down to 1.32m by 11pm. (updated 21 Jan)

JOURNEYS BETWEEN THE WORLDS John Billingsley, local historian and folklorist, told a capacity Zoom webinar for Hebden Bridge Local History Society about the ancestral routes, known as corpseways, along which the bodies and souls of the dead were taken to their final resting place. See report

PREVENTING FLOODING BY SLOWING THE FLOW OF WATER Adrian Horton of Slow the Flow, gave a powerful and enthusiastic talk to the members of U3A on Monday evening to nearly 60 people by Zoom, outlining the four key areas that the group had worked in since being formed in 2016. Read report (16 Jan)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 22 - There's good read recommendations, TV reviews, First footing, sad couplings, walking on ice, Nora remembered, Lockdown 3, homeschooling, a saint on a pillar, storming the Capitol, Ginnungagap, hide and seek and a solo duet. See Murphy's Lore 22 (11 Jan)

COVID NUMBERS RISING LOCALLY - and nationally - 20 cases in Hebden Bridge (216 per 100k), 26 in Mytholmroyd (304 per 100k) and 40 in Tod (247 per 100k) for the week to 1 Jan. There were 79 new cases in Calderdale (270 per 100k) in the past 24 hours. For 7 days to 1 Jan the rate per 100k for England was 580, with 1041 new cases in the UK in the past 24 hours. More info. (6 Jan)

FRANK MCMANUS has died aged 93 - former councillor, and Labour Party activist and letter writer. More on this Lives Remembered page. (3 Jan)